MASTIFF OF BAEL

The Mastiff of Bael has been passed on through generations of the Draxlehouse family. Its origins are traced back to the time where humans first came into Elandria, and with them, brought loyal mastiffs that protected and helped them scout the new lands. As a gesture of goodwill towards gnomes, Bael was bred to be a fierce companion, and was gifted to a mighty gnome warlord. When he neared old age, the Draxlehouse family ensured that Bael could be called upon long after his time. Through powerful enchantments and the sheer purity of the mastiff bloodline, Bael was turned into a magical artifact. A stattuette, small enough to fit a gnome’s pocket, with the likeness of Bael, was now the most treasured artifact in the Draxlehouse lineage. A fierce and intelligent being, Bael was bred for war and excels at helping gnomes in those circumstances. Ideally, they serve as mounts for gnomes, but they are also excellent trackers and loyal guards. Bael only comes to life on its owner commands, or the commands of someone that is worthy of his companionship.

Appearance

The statuette has a copper coloring worn out by time. It seems roughly made but with fine details and engravings. Its small enough to carry in a pocket, and doesn’t seem too fragile.

Effects

The owner of the statuette can summon the Mastiff of Bael to his help. The mastiff follows the stat block from the Monster Manual with its HP = 4X LVL of the master and gains all other features from the stat block. The Mastiff will remain with its owner and follow his orders until he is unsummoned or his HP drops to 0. If the HP of the mastiff is reduced to 0, it becomes a statuette again and can only be summoned on the next dawn. The Mastiff can be used as a mount for small humanoid creatures.

Awakened

The Mastiff of Bael is empowered by the bond with their master. Bael’s AC changes to 20. HP = 5X LVL of the master.  Nimble: Bael can use his reaction to dodge a spell that requires a Dexterity Saving Throw. If he fails the saving throw, he receives half damage. If he succeeds he receives no damage.
You can command Bael to attack with a bonus action. If you are selecting a different target than the previous command, you have to issue a new command with your bonus action. Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.